Make Your Own Elf on the Shelf

The Elf on the Shelf is one of the most exciting crazes sweeping the nation during the holiday season. It is an incredibly effective behavioral tool for your kids leading up to Christmas, and it can be a cute and delightful addition to your holiday decorations.

What exactly is an Elf on the Shelf? This toy is a cute little Santa’s helper who sits on the shelf in your home, watching out for good behavior. In turn, your children, in an effort to impress the little elf, stay on their best behavior for Santa. Each day hide your elf and let your kids have fun finding it. Many parents like to set up little scenes for the elf, things he has been doing overnight. One idea is to sprinkle some flour on the counter and let your little elf make a ‘snow’ angle.

An Elf on the Shelf is an adorable holiday toy. And if you want to make one of your own, follow these tips for how to create this fun Christmas toy.

Start with a Doll

The first and most important step in creating an Elf on the Shelf Christmas toy is picking a doll to act as the elf. You can grab an old doll that the kids have laying around the house, one they haven’t played with in a long time is a good idea. Small dolls are best, but any doll can be an elf on the shelf.

Dress Up Your Elf in Cute Christmas Clothes

Once you have an Elf on the Shelf Christmas toy doll, add to the air of the holidays by giving him cute little decorations that match the season. For example, you can create great elf shoes out of red felt or scrap fabric, and can make a little sweater out of an old sweater.

Of course, each Elf on the Shelf needs a pen and pad of paper in order to write down notes for Santa during the holiday season. If you can’t find toy versions of those, simply leave some paper and a writing utensil nearby the little guy.

Make Sure the Elf on the Shelf has a good view

Once you have your Elf on the Shelf ready to go, place him on a centrally-located area in the house, like on the mantle or somewhere in the living room. Then, explain to your children who this new visitor is, and what he will be doing in the house. Illustrate the fact that the Elf on the Shelf is there doing a favor for Santa, and that he will be keeping a close eye out for good behavior. Keep reminding them of this throughout the season in an effort to keep them on their best behavior.

One additional idea is extremely important to keep in mind: make sure to be on your best behavior as well when you are in front of the elf. Playing along with the game will ensure that your children take it seriously. Last, just hide your elf each night and let your kids find it in the morning. It’s a great way to get kids out of bed in the morning. But a warning, one of our Imagine Toys parents says that her kids wake up at 5:00 am because they are so excited to find the elf. Make sure your kids know that the elf doesn’t wake up that early.

The Holidays Are Wonderful

The holidays are a wonderful time to show love and compassion to one another. And if you want your children to be on their best behavior, make this new Christmas toy and have a wonderful holiday season!

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